Does Everyone with Lynch Syndrome Get Cancer?

Dr.Arun Giri, 3 mins read

Lynch syndrome is an inherited genetic condition that makes someone prone to cancer. However, not everyone with lynch syndrome gets cancer. Those with a family history of lynch syndrome and cancer are at higher risk of colorectal and endometrial cancer. 

Apart from these common cancers associated with this disorder, it can cause stomach, small intestine, liver, ovarian, gallbladder duct, and other types of cancers. This guide will discuss this disease in more detail and help answer your questions.  

What Causes Lynch Syndrome?

Lynch syndrome is caused by a mutation in one of these genes: MLHL1, MSH2, MSH6, PMS2, and EPCAM. These genes are responsible for correcting mistakes in DNA. A mutation in one of them can prevent mistake correction. As a result, the person becomes more susceptible to cancer.  

Who Is at Risk?

A carrier of lynch syndrome is 50% more likely to pass the mutated genes to each child. Both males and females are equally likely to be affected. The strongest indicator of lynch syndrome is the diagnosis of cancer (Usually colorectal and endometrial cancer) at a young age or having a family history of lynch syndrome.

Symptoms of Lynch Syndrome

Lynch syndrome itself doesn’t have any symptoms. But a cancer related to it can show its symptoms. For example, with colorectal cancer, symptoms can include blood in stool, discomfort during passing stools or noticeable changes in bowel movements. 

Who Should Go for Genetic Testing?  

If one or more of the following criteria match your situation, you should consider genetic testing. 

• Blood-relative with confirmed lynch syndrome.
• Diagnosis of cancer, especially colorectal and endometrial cancer, at a young age.  
• Multiple primary cancer diagnosis. 
• Prescribed by a doctor

What Happens During Genetic Testing?

The doctor will take your blood sample and send it for laboratory testing. At the laboratory, experts will check for genetic changes in the sample. 

Is There a Cure for Lynch Syndrome?

There is no cure for lynch syndrome. If someone has a family history of lynch syndrome or a family history of cancer at a young age, they should consider periodic cancer screening. The screening tests may include: 

• A colonoscopy 
• A transavaginal ultrasound or endometrial biopsy. 
• An upper endoscopy  

A screening may help you diagnose cancer at early stages as many times symptoms don’t appear in initial stages. An early diagnosis of cancer can open many treatment options, which have generally better outcomes.

Life Expectancy with Lynch Syndrome

Those diagnosed with lynch syndrome can live a healthy and normal life. It is not written in stone that they will get cancer. It’s just that they are at higher risk. A periodic screening can help diagnose cancerous cells at early stages, when treatment has the highest success rate.